Myths and realities of burglaries
Long daylight hours, restless youths and people away on holiday can create an ideal hunting ground for burglars over summer.
Many householders think they know how the sneaky thieves operate but we look into popular perceptions and talk to experts at NZ Police to see if those myths should be busted.
Myth: Most burglaries occur late at night or during the early hours. Busted: When it comes to burgling properties, most happen during the day when people tend to be at work. Myth: Burglars spend a lot of time planning a break-in
Busted: Burglars are largely opportunistic.
Myth: Social media is a hunting ground for burglars
True: Make sure you are wary of posting too much information on social media about holiday or travel plans, or photos of inside your home, as this can make your property a vulnerable target while you are away.
Myth: The most popular item stolen from homes is televisions
True: TVs are one of the common items targeted by burglars. Others include gaming consoles, laptops/ computers, jewellery, wallets/cash, work tools and other portable highvalue items. Police recommend photographing your valuables, or engraving them with your driver’s licence number and recording their serial numbers, to make identifying and returning recovered property easier.
Myth: Burglars mainly break in through windows
Busted: Burglars look for the easiest way in. It is important to close and lock windows and doors to deter burglars looking for easy access. Make sure you don’t leave anything out that the burglar can climb on to access a window.
Myth: Keep your items in a ‘‘safe’’ place.
True: Yes, leave valuables out of sight. Leaving valuables in plain sight presents opportunities for thieves. And don’t leave any valuables in vehicles, even if parking in your driveway.
Myth: Rose bushes will keep burglars away
True (sort of): Anything that makes it harder to access a property will deter burglars.
But making sure that there are clear lines of sight into the property will help deter burglars too – ensuring the house is clearly visible from the road, not hidden by trees or bushes. Myth: Monitored alarms are a greater deterrent to criminals than an alarm only.
Busted: All alarms will help discourage any burglar looking for easy entry. Locks on windows and doors can be effective. Security signage, CCTV, alarms and sensor lights are all good.
Myth: Dogs prevent burglaries True: Anything that makes it harder to access a property will discourage burglars looking for easy entry. Myth: Security stickers on the windows will make burglars think you have an alarm
True: Yes. Neighbourhood Support can provide warning stickers to put on windows as a deterrent. Myth: Burglars only target the same house once
Busted: No, burglars are largely opportunistic and will sometimes come back.
Myth: Burglars will case the joint Busted: Not necessarily, they are largely opportunistic. This is why it is important to secure property and keep valuables out of sight.
Myth: Burglars enter and leave a house quickly
Depends: While this may depend on the circumstances, the key message is to call police straight away on 111 if you see or suspect anything suspicious at your home or at a neighbour’s house.
When reporting activity it is helpful to take note of the number of people, clothing they wear, and any vehicles present.
It is frustrating for police to hear about an incident when it’s too late to catch anyone at the scene.
Protect your property
❚ Keep in contact with your neighbours and let each other know if you notice anything unusual.
❚ Neighbourhood Support groups can be great for this.
❚ Police remind people not to put themselves in danger or take the law into their own hands if confronted by offenders. Contact police instead.
❚ If you see or suspect a crime is taking place call 111 immediately.
❚ Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.